BOSTON (AP) — Against Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta, the Red Sox didn't have time for a slow start Friday night — not exactly a strength for them this season.

Andrew Benintendi helped Boston solve that issue, and the club just had to hang on from there.

Benintendi hit a solo homer off Arrieta to spark a five-run first inning and Boston beat Chicago 5-4.

The Red Sox had just seven first-inning runs this season entering Friday.

"Being able to scratch a few across, put up a crooked number early is always nice," Mitch Moreland said. "It kind of helps everybody settle in."

Every Boston starter had at least one hit, and Moreland, Hanley Ramirez, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Christian Vazquez also drove in a run each.

Left-hander Drew Pomeranz (2-1) got the win with six innings of two-run ball, surrendering early solo homers to Kris Bryant and Albert Almora Jr. before settling in. He allowed six hits and two walks while striking out seven.

Boston has won its last nine interleague games at Fenway Park.

Arrieta (3-1) logged his shortest start since Aug. 28, 2014, lasting only 4 1/3 innings and giving up 10 hits and three walks with five strikeouts.

"The home run I gave up, just a ball elevated," Arrieta said. "Made a few pitches in spots that I shouldn't have. And they strung some hits together."

Arrieta also had a tough beginning against Cincinnati in his last start, and this is the first time in his career that he has allowed four first-inning earned runs in consecutive outings. Arrieta took a no-hitter into the eighth inning in his last start in Boston on June 30, 2014.

Ben Zobrist also drove in a run for Chicago, which is playing its third regular-season series at Fenway and first since 2014.

After pulling within a run in the seventh, Chicago threatened again in the eighth with runners on first and second and one out. Fernando Abad came on and got both pinch-hitter Matt Szczur and Kyle Schwarber to strike out swinging.

Craig Kimbrel struck out Bryant and Anthony Rizzo to open the ninth before Zobrist doubled. Addison Russell then struck out to end the game, and Kimbrel locked up his eighth save.

"Fernando's two strikeouts were key, and then Kimbrel has been Craig. He's been overpowering. Great stuff," Boston manager John Farrell said.

THE GANG'S ALL HERE

Chicago pitchers Jon Lester, John Lackey and Koji Uehara were given a video tribute after the top of the second inning for their return to Fenway Park. All three were members of Boston's World Series championship team in 2013.

Anthony Rizzo, once a top prospect in Boston's farm system, was also back at Fenway along with Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, the former Red Sox general manager who helped end the team's 86-year championship drought in 2004.

"I'm definitely still a Bostonian. I'm just lucky to have a great second home in Chicago. I consider them both home," said Epstein, who was raised in nearby Brookline. "How lucky is that?"

WHAT A SHOT

Bryant's first-inning solo blast over the Green Monster in left field traveled an estimated 449 feet. It was the longest homer at Fenway Park this season and the fifth-longest since the start of the 2015 season, according to Statcast.

As he rounded the bases, Bryant pointed to his parents in the stands. Bryant's father, Mike, was drafted by the Red Sox and played two seasons in their minor league system.

"That's probably the only time I've ever actually seen my family in the stands," said Bryant, adding that it might be his favorite home run that he's ever hit.

BATTING SIXTH

Dustin Pedroia had hit in every spot in the lineup except for sixth in 1,415 career games before Friday night, when Farrell shook up the lineup. Pedroia went 2 for3 with a walk and a strikeout out of the sixth hole.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Cubs: Pitching coach Chris Bosio was not with the team for this weekend's series in Boston as he tends to a personal matter. Bullpen coach Lester Strode filled in for Bosio on Friday.

Red Sox: OF/INF Brock Holt (vertigo) began a five-game rehab stint with Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday night, getting four at-bats as the designated hitter. ... LHP David Price (left elbow strain) is still on track to face live hitters Saturday for the first time since spring training.

UP NEXT

Cubs: RHP Lackey (1-3, 4.88) makes his first start in Boston since being traded to St. Louis in July 2014. Lackey, who spent three-plus seasons with the Red Sox, is 31-23 with a 4.45 ERA over 67 career starts at Fenway.

Red Sox: RHP Steven Wright (1-2, 8.66 ERA) faces the Cubs for the first time in his career as he looks to bounce back from a loss at Baltimore last Saturday. The knuckleballer is 3-0 with a 2.79 ERA in five career interleague appearances (four starts).

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Sept. 30: The Colorado Rockies' Nolan Arenado reacts after hitting a two-run home run against the Washington Nationals in the first inning at Coors Field. The Rockies won the game, 12-0. Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports

Sept. 28: Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez (9) pretends to take a photo of third baseman David Bote (left), right fielder Ben Zobrist (center), and first baseman Anthony Rizzo (right) after their victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Brewers closer Jeremy Jeffress celebrates after striking out the final batter in the bottom of the ninth in a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals to clinch the team's first playoff berth since 2011. Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports

Sept. 25: Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Billy McKinney (28) and center fielder Jonathon Davis collide and drop a ball hit by the Houston Astros' Josh Reddick in the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. The Astros won the game, 4-1, and later clinched the AL West title when the Mariners beat the A's in extra innings. John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY Sports

Sept. 24: The Red Sox celebrate after beating the Orioles for their franchise-record 106th win of the season. Boston passed the prior mark of 105 set way back in 1912. David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports

Sept. 19: Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Colin Moran tags out the Kansas City Royals' Whit Merrifield on a steal attempt at third base during the fifth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won the game, 2-1. Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

Sept. 8: Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jorge Lopez (52) reacts after leaving the game against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Lopez had a perfect game going into the ninth inning. Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports

Sept. 5: The New York Mets' Jeff McNeil slides into home as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal misses a pass at home plate during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium. The Mets won the game, 7-3. Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports

Aug. 30: Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez tags out the Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. during an attempt to steal second during the first inning at SunTrust Park. The Cubs won the game, 5-4. Adam Hagy, USA TODAY Sports

Aug. 29: Chicago Cubs third baseman David Bote (front) collides with relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler as they both try to field a ball hit by New York Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the game, 2-1. Jim Young, USA TODAY Sports

Aug. 28: Houston Astros center fielder George Springer makes a diving catch on a fly ball during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. The A's won the game, 4-3. Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports

Aug. 27" The Chicago Cubs' Anthony Rizzo rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the game, 7-4. Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports

Aug. 24: Brewers hitter Lorenzo Cain can't get out of the fast fast enough and takes a pitch to the helmet during the seventh inning against the Pirates. Cain stayed in the game and finished the 15-inning marathon. Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports

Aug. 21: New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) acknowledges the crowd while batting in the first inning for the first time against his former team, the Miami Marlins. Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports

Aug. 17: New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) is congratulated after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Andy Marlin, USA TODAY Sports

Aug. 6: San Francisco Giants left fielder Gorkys Hernandez (7) watches a ball hit by Houston Astros second baseman Marwin Gonzalez clear the fence for a home run in the ninth inning. John Hefti, USA TODAY Sports

July 29: Kansas City Royals right fielder Brett Phillips catches a ball hit by the New York Yankees' Austin Romine for an out in the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won the game, 6-3. Noah K. Murray, USA TODAY Sports

July 25: The Philadelphia Phillies' Odubel Herrera reacts after scoring during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won the game, 7-3. Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports

July 22: Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Brandon Workman makes a catch for an out during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The Red Sox won the game, 9-1. Raj Mehta, USA TODAY Sports

July 23: St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Daniel Poncedeleon (right) is hugged by first baseman Jose Martinez (left) in the dugout at the end of the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds. Poncedeleon threw seven no-hit innings in his MLB debut. David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports

July 21: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina waits to tag Cubs baserunner Javier Baez after Baez slid past home plate during the fifth inning in the first game of a doubleheader at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Dennis Wierzbicki, USA TODAY Sports

July 19: Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell reacts to his throwing error which let the St. Louis Cardinals' Tommy Pham to score as the Cardinals' Jose Martinez (left) looks on after being forced out in the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the game, 9-6. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports

July 17: American League infielder Jean Segura of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with third base coach Gary Pettis of the Houston Astros after hitting a three-run home run during the eighth inning against the National League in the All-Star Game at Nationals Ballpark. The American League won the game, 8-6, in 10 innings. Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports

July 15: Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Enrique Hernandez (14) celebrates after a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports

July 13: Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson jumps to avoid contact with the Arizona Diamondbacks' Alex Avila after Swanson threw to first base on a double play attempt in the third inning at SunTrust Park. The Diamondbacks won the game, 2-1. Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports

July 11: The Philadelphia Phillies' Odubel Herrera beats the throw to New York Mets shortstop Amed Rosario for a stolen base in the fourth inning at Citi Field. The Mets won the game, 3-0. Noah K. Murray, USA TODAY Sports

July 10: Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman kisses his son Charlie after being honored with his All-Star jersey before Atlanta's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports

July 8: The Miami Marlins' J.T. Realmuto is tagged out by Washington Nationals first baseman Matt Adams after being caught in a rundown attempting to steal second base in the seventh inning at Nationals Park. The Marlins won the game, 10-2. Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports

July 6: Minnesota Twins center fielder Jake Cave leaps above the wall to catch a fly ball for an out during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Target Field. The Twins won the game, 6-2. Jordan Johnson, USA TODAY Sports

The American flag is seen stretched out during the national anthem prior to a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the game, 5-2. Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports

July 5: The Milwaukee Brewers' Tyler Saladino slides into home following a wild pitch as Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried tries to apply the tag during the second inning at Miller Park. The Brewers won the game, 7-2. Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports

July 2: New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) is unable to make a catch on a two-run home run by Atlanta Braves left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) during the 11th inning at Yankee Stadium. Adam Hunger, USA TODAY Sports

July 3: The Cincinnati Reds' Billy Hamilton slides safely into home plate against Chicago White Sox catcher Kevan Smith (36) in the eighth inning at Great American Ballpark. The White Sox won the game, 12-8. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports

June 28: Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland goes over the railing at the dugout unsuccessfully chasing a foul ball off the bat of the Los Angeles Angels' Albert Pujols during the sixth inning at Fenway Park. The Red Sox won the game, 4-2. Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports

June 29: A memorial for Capital Gazette sports writer John McNamara is displayed at a seat in the press box before a game between the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels in Baltimore. McNamara is one of five victims in a shooting in the newspaper's newsroom Thursday in Annapolis, Md. The Angels won the game, 7-1. Gail Burton, AP

June 27: A general view of smoke rolling over the field in the eighth inning during a game between the Chicago White Sox and the Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field. The White Sox won the game, 6-1. Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports

June 25: New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) is brushed back from a high inside pitch during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports

June 26: The Pittsburgh Pirates' Josh Harrison slides into New York Mets second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera to break up a double play during the eighth inning at Citi Field. The Mets won the game, 4-3, in 10 innings. Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports

June 24: Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Sean Rodriguez turns a double play over the Arizona Diamondbacks' John Ryan Murphy during the seventh inning at PNC Park. The Diamondbacks won the game, 3-0. Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

June 22: Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman David Freese takes a high throw on a pickoff attempt of the Arizona Diamondbacks' Nick Ahmed at third base during the fifth inning at PNC Park. The Diamondbacks won the game, 2-1, in 13 innings. Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

June 19: Boston Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon tags out the Minnesota Twins' Robbie Grossman as he attempts to tag up on a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning at Target Field. The Twins won the game, 6-2. Bruce Kluckhohn, USA TODAY Sports

June 20: Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jesse Winker (right) slides safely into second for a double against Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (left) during the second inning at Great American Ball Park. David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports

June 18: The Kansas City Royals' Abraham Almonte scores ahead of the tag by Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos in the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Rangers won the game, 6-3. Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports

June 16: Chicago White Sox right fielder Trayce Thompson (32) climbs the fence to try and catch the three-run home run off the bat of the Detroit Tigers' Nicholas Castellanos during the third inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Tigers won the game, 7-5. Dennis Wierzbicki, USA TODAY Sports

June 12: Reds baserunner Scooter Gennett, right, is tagged out at home by Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, in the second inning at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports

June 9: The San Diego Padres' Travis Jankowski is tagged out by Miami Marlins shortstop JT Riddle at second base in the first inning at Marlins Park. The Padres won the game, 5-4. Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports

June 8: Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Lorenzo Cain makes a catch on a ball that was bobbled by shortstop Orlando Arcia (3) during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Brewers won the game, 12-4. Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports

June 7:Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jake Bauers attempted to force out the Seattle Mariners' Jean Segura as he singles during the first inning at Tropicana Field. The Mariners won the game, 5-4. Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

June 3: St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael Wacha is doused after he took a no-hitter into the ninth inning of the Cardinals' 5-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Scott Rovak, USA TODAY Sports

May 31: The Philadelphia Phillies' Maikel Franco scores off a single by Jorge Alfaro as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal is unable to handle the throw at home plate during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. The Phillies won the game, 2-1. Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports

May 29: Astros right fielder George Springer goes up but can't catch the game-tying two-run home run by the Yankees' Brett Gardner (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium in New York. Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports

May 21: Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto is doused with water after the game against the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park. Soto hit his first career home run as the Nationals won, 10-2. Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports

May 22: Phillies catcher Jorge Alfaro leaps out of the way of Braves baserunner Ozzie Albies, who scored on a throwing error during the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports

May 18: Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner, left, catches the ball as he collides with center fielder Aaron Hicks in the second inning against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports

May 14: The Milwaukee Brewers' Tyler Saladino safely dives home in front of Arizona Diamondbacks catcher John Ryan Murphy for an inside-the-park home run in the ninth inning at Chase Field. The Brewers won the game, 7-2. Jennifer Stewart, USA TODAY Sports

May 16: Brewers players throw confetti on teammate Christian Yelich (22) in the dugout after his two-run home run in the second inning against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports

May 15: Fans watch as the grounds crew remove a tarp from the field as a rainbow emerges over Citi Field before a game between the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Mets won the game, 12-2. Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports

May 11: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Hamels and three other pitchers combined to one-hit the Astros in a 1-0 win. Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports

May 6: Yankees rookie Gleyber Torres is doused with Gatorade by his teammates after hitting a walk-off three-run home run to beat the Indians at Yankee Stadium in New York. Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports

May 7: George Springer (4) high fives teammates Max Stassi (12) and Josh Reddick after batting them in with a three-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning at Oakland Coliseum. Springer had a team-record six hits as the Astros won, 16-2. Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports

April 27: Cleveland Browns first-round draft picks Denzel Ward, left, and Baker Mayfield, right, throw out the ceremonial first pitches before the Indians' home game against the Mariners at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Scott R. Galvin, USA TODAY Sports

April 24: A Yankees security guard takes down a fan who ran onto the field during the seventh inning during the Yankees' game against Twins at Yankee Stadium in New York. Noah K. Murray, USA TODAY Sports

April 26: White Sox third baseman Yolmer Sanchez warms up before a game against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium while wearing a shirt in tribute to teammate Danny Farquhar, who suffered a brain hemorrhage in the team's dugout on April 20. Peter G. Aiken, USA TODAY Sports

April 23: Dogs walk on the field during Dog Day at Guaranteed Rate Field before a game between the Chicago White Sox and the Seattle Mariners. The White Sox won the game, 10-4. David Banks, USA TODAY Sports

April 22: Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Jonathan Villar passes time in the dugout during a 4-2 win over the Miami Marlins at Miller Park. With the win, the Brewers completed a four-game sweep of the Marlins. Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports

April 19: The Phillies' Nick Williams, left, and J.P. Crawford celebrate in 1970's throwback jerseys during their game against the Pirates at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports

April 11: The New York Yankees' Tyler Austin starts a scrum with Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Joe Kelly during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. The Yankees won the game, 10-7. Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports

April 5: St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Yairo Munoz (34) reacts after umpire Mike Muchlinski (76) called a strike during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Busch Stadium. Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports

April 3: Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians in his first ever regular season at bat at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

April 2: Cleveland Indians designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion rounds third base on an inside-the-park home run in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The Indians won the game, 6-0. Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

April 1: The Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani makes his major-league debut as a starting pitcher in a 7-4 win over the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum. Ohtani pitched six innings, gave up three runs, struck out six and got the win. Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports

March 31: Seattle Mariners center fielder Dee Gordon (9) watches a home run off the bat of the Cleveland Indians' Yan Gomes go over the wall during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. The Indians won the game, 6-5. Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports

March 29: Giancarlo Stanton (right) celebrates a two-run home run in the first inning with New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner. Stanton hit two home runs in his Yankees debut, and New York beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 6-1, on Opening Day at Rogers Centre. Nick Turchiaro, USA TODAY Sports